TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted a cargo boat attempting to smuggle 54 cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) without a permit off the coast of Batu 3, Jalan Apas, around 5.30am, Tuesday.
The seizure, including the cargo boat, engine, and LPG cylinders, is estimated to be worth over RM52,000.
Tawau Maritime Zone Director Captain (Maritime) Ariffin Ghazali said the case is believed to be linked to a cross-border smuggling syndicate trafficking controlled goods into neighbouring countries.
“The boat was first detected leaving the Batu 3 coastline and heading towards border waters during Ops Sejahtera, Ops Pluto Timur, and Ops Tiris,” he said.
Upon attempting to intercept the vessel, the suspect abruptly turned back towards shore in an effort to evade enforcement.
Once near land, the suspect abandoned the boat and fled, leaving the cargo behind.
“An inspection of the vessel revealed 54 LPG cylinders without valid transportation permits,” Ariffin said.
A search operation was launched in the area, but the suspect could not be located.
The seized items were brought to the Tawau Maritime Zone Jetty for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
“We will carry out a detailed investigation to trace those behind this smuggling syndicate,” said Ariffin, adding that monitoring activities will be intensified, especially around illegal jetties, which are often used as smuggling points.
The public is urged to report any suspicious or criminal activities in local waters by contacting the Tawau Maritime Zone Operations Centre or via the MERS 999 emergency line.
